Recent research suggests a link between
oral health and heart disease, stroke, preterm births, diabetes and respiratory disease.* In fact, a visit to the dentist could detect more than just a cavity, as often the first sign of a medical condition will appear in the mouth.
This new OnQ series focuses on the importance of dental and oral care, and its impact on your overall health.

*Oral Health in America, A Report of the Surgeon General, 2000

Watch for new video every day this week!

Taking good care of your teeth is important to overall health. The mouth is where your body starts to break down food so that it can get the vitamins and minerals you need to grow. To help encourage good oral health, United Concordia has created the following fun pages for children of all ages:

ORAL HEALTH AND HEART DISEASE

Nearly 16 million American adults suffer from one or more types of cardiovascular disease.1
There is growing evidence that the infection associated with periodontal disease can travel throughout your body. Some studies suggest the body's response to this infection can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, heart attack, coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries).

Nearly 16 million American adults suffer from one or more types of cardiovascular disease.1
There is growing evidence that the infection associated with periodontal disease can travel throughout your body. Some studies suggest the body's response to this infection can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, heart attack, coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries).

Taking preventive measures is one way to help decrease your risk. Talk to your dentist about your risks, and remember to follow a smile-friendly diet and keep up with your dental duo--rigorous home care and regular dentist visits.

Periodontal Disease - An infection of the tissues that support teeth.There are two types:

Gingivitis - an infection of the gums around the teeth

Periodontitis - more severe than gingivitis because the infection has spread to the bone that supports the teeth

ORAL HEALTH AND PREGNANCY

Are you aware that your oral health can affect not only your overall health, but the health of your baby?
Recent research suggests a link between periodontal disease and low-birthweight and premature babies.1

Are you aware that your oral health can affect not only your overall health, but the health of your baby?
Recent research suggests a link between periodontal disease and low-birthweight and premature babies.1

Changes in hormone levels due to pregnancy causes increased blood flow to the gums, which can exaggerate the gum's reactions to oral bacteria, causing tender, swollen and sensitive gums (pregnancy gingivitis). Gingivitis usually starts around the second or third month of pregnancy and can become more serious through the eighth month.

Proper dental care before and during pregnancy is a primary tool to decrease your risk of pregnancy gingivitis. Talk to your doctor and dentist to determine an appropriate diet and professional dental cleaning regimen, and be consistent with your preventive at-home care.

ORAL HEALTH AND DIABETES

If you have diabetes, you probably already realize that you are more susceptible to infection, but did you know that research suggests a link between your oral health and diabetes?1As your body is less able to repair itself and produces reduced levels of saliva, often those with diabetes develop periodontal disease. In fact, this connection is so well established that periodontal disease has been called the "sixth complication" of diabetes.1

If you have diabetes, you probably already realize that you are more susceptible to infection, but did you know that research suggests a link between your oral health and diabetes?1As your body is less able to repair itself and produces reduced levels of saliva, often those with diabetes develop periodontal disease. In fact, this connection is so well established that periodontal disease has been called the "sixth complication" of diabetes.1

Recent research also suggests that moderate to severe periodontal disease may increase blood sugar, decrease the effects of insulin and increase risks for diabetic complications. While a direct connection has yet to be established, more studies are finding a link between periodontal disease and diabetes.1

That's why it is so important to maintain a rigorous dental health regimen, including regular visits with your dentist, quality home care and following a diet designed not only for your diabetic but also your dental needs.

Periodontal Disease -
An infection of the tissues that support teeth.

There are two types:

Gingivitis - an infection of the gums around the teeth

Periodontitis - more severe than gingivitis because the infection has spread to the bone that supports the teeth

ORAL HEALTH AND RESPIRATORY DISEASE

Research is increasingly demonstrating the link between oral health and overall health, but did you know that simple oral hygiene measures can decrease the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia?Studies show that using a chlorhexidine oral rinse can reduce the risk of ventilator-dependent patients developing ventilator-associated pneumonia by as much as 60%.1

Research is increasingly demonstrating the link between oral health and overall health, but did you know that simple oral hygiene measures can decrease the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia?Studies show that using a chlorhexidine oral rinse can reduce the risk of ventilator-dependent patients developing ventilator-associated pneumonia by as much as 60%.1

Patient Oral Care
Dentists and physicians may recommend caregivers use a chlorhexidine rinse or gel to gently swab a patient's mouth and clean respiratory devices and mouthpieces with chlorhexidine or alcohol wipes. This can reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth and the possibility of the patient aspirating bacteria harbored in the device.

ORAL HEALTH AND OVERALL WELL-BEING

Oral health doesn't just concern a cavity, wisdom tooth eruption or braces. Oral health is much more than that--it also refers to the condition of your:

Upper and lower jaw

Gums and supporting tissues

Roof of your mouth

All linings of your mouth and throat

Tongue

Lips

Salivary glands

Oral health doesn't just concern a cavity, wisdom tooth eruption or braces. Oral health is much more than that--it also refers to the condition of your:

Upper and lower jaw

Gums and supporting tissues

Roof of your mouth

All linings of your mouth and throat

Tongue

Lips

Salivary glands

Oral health also refers to birth defects such as cleft lip and palate, the absence of facial and oral pains and the condition of your immune, nervous and vascular systems, as they connect your mouth to the rest of your body.

How does my oral health
affect my overall health?

A healthy smile affects more than just your appearance.

Although self-image and self-esteem are important, there are other benefits to maintaining a healthy smile and treating oral conditions.